Avoid Use of Alternative Heating, Exercise Caution When Necessary

Last updated on Thursday, October 26, 2017

(UNDATED) - The cold weather is here, which means you’re probably kicking on your furnace to keep warm.

Lawrence County Volunteer Fire Department is warning residents before they make sure to take the proper safety precautions.

One of the most common safety concerns in the cold weather months is carbon monoxide poisoning. This can be caused from a blockage in your heating system that forces CO fumes from your furnace to your house.

Experts call it a silent killer as there are a number of things that can cause carbon monoxide poisoning and you may not know you're being poisoned when it happens.

Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, and feeling that you're going to pass out. If you experience any of these, get outside as quick as you can and take in some fresh air. The symptoms should subside, but it would not hurt to head to your doctor to get checked out.

Hoosiers trying to avoid turning on the heat should exercise caution when using alternative methods to heat their homes.

"Alternative heating sources are one of the leading causes of home fires and fire-related deaths each year," said State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson. "Fires caused by alternative heating equipment account for 19 percent of home fire deaths in the United States."

Marshal Greeson advises Hoosiers to take precautions if alternative sources are in use. Here are a few tips to safely stay warm this season:

Space Heaters and Other Alternative Heating

Avoid using space heaters and other alternative heating if possible.
Keep at least a three-foot perimeter around space heaters at all times.
Space heaters should be kept away from loose or flammable objects such as clothing, curtains, bedding and furniture.
Only one space heater should be plugged into each electrical outlet. Never overload electrical outlets.
Do not leave space heaters on in unoccupied rooms.
If it is necessary to purchase a space heater, consider purchasing one with a built-in tilt sensor that automatically shuts off if tipped over.
Refuel kerosene space heaters outside the home in a well-ventilated area. Be sure to let them cool down first if they were recently used.
Appliances such as ovens should never be used for heating. Doing so can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Fireplaces

Fireplaces should be regularly cleaned and inspected by a certified professional. Gas fireplaces should have proper ventilation, with a working carbon monoxide detector nearby.
Use only dry, seasoned firewood to prevent build-up of creosote, which can prevent the chimney from venting properly.
Make sure not to close the damper too early when hot ashes are still in the fireplace. Doing so can force dangerous levels of carbon monoxide into the home.
Avoid using flammable liquid to start fires in fireplaces or wood stoves. Always have a fire extinguisher on hand in case the fire gets out of control.

Remember, fires should always be extinguished and any alternative heating sources turned off before going to bed or leaving the home.

Marshal Greeson strongly advises Hoosiers to consider other options before using alternative heating.

Long Underwear, Insulation and Other Options

Wear long underwear. It might sound old fashioned, but this will reduce bodily heat loss and enhance warmth and comfort. One layer of thermal long underwear can allow for a savings on heating costs. After all, each person's body is a human furnace that generates heat.
Caulk can stop drafts and decrease heat loss. Fewer drafts can help with bodily warmth.
Move while inside. Work out, dance, clean or simply stand and move.
Bake cookies, cake, pie or cook dinner. Having the oven on will help with residual heat, but don't use the stovetop or oven to heat a home.

Smoke Alarms

Working smoke alarms are important all year around, but they can be especially important in the winter months with the added risk of alternative heating sources. According to the Red Cross, families have as little as two minutes to safely escape a burning home, and having a working smoke alarm can double a person's chance of surviving.

"Test your smoke alarm to make sure it works. Even if it responds correctly, if you don't remember the last time you changed your batteries, do it today. If you don't have a smoke alarm, buy one and install it. If you don't have the funds, contact your local fire department, Red Cross or social service agency to see if one can be provided," says Greeson.

For more tips on smoke alarms, as well as fire and alternative heat safety, visit GetPrepared.in.gov

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